Tapo devices are basically smart home stuff. You normally have to use their ecosystem to control those devices, i.e. use their apps etc. However, people do not like the fact that you're locked in those apps and want to use those devices via platforms like Homeassistant, so people figure out how to do it by tricks like this.

They’re also a cheap way to get into BirdNET and Apple HomeKit Secure Video if you get their cheapest security cams that have some weather proofing. You can get a microphone (and camera) outdoors without having to shell out a lot of money for a Raspberry Pi + microphone + all the protective casing required to keep it from breaking.

With software like Scrypted or Frigate, I was able to use an Apple TV 4K to get a security feed into my Apple Home with iCloud+. You don’t need to buy Homekit certified product.

They're also really cheap energy monitoring plugs, probably the cheapest from a known brand you can get. I also really like their light switches and they work great in HA. FWIW I also have them completely locked down on the network like all other IOT devices.